Bosch service center?

[alfredauto]

I was thinking about applying to become a Bosch service center. Anyone on the program, thoughts? Thanks.

[mspecperformance]

I am. If you are general repair, NAPA would be wayyyyyyyy better.

[ScottSpec]

We are a Bosch Service Center and are in the process of becoming a NAPA service center. Bosch offers a lot, but we probably don't take advantage of it as much as we could. We do offer financing to our customers through Bosch and my techs have been using the online seminars for training. There is no down side to become a Bosch Service Center as the is no cost to you.

 

Scott

[LynxStarAuto]

I have also been considering it. I have already done the research. In my area their reputation is pretty good. I know another shop that does Euros and they use Bosch, and they saw an increase in their workload thanks to Bosch's marketing, and referral program. They only issues I see with their program is that you have to use a certain amount of their inventory to stay a member. That is where it kind of does not workout too well for me.

 

Firstly, their pricing on parts is not as competitive as what I get from places like Worldpac, or The Finish Line. Secondly, they push a lot of their brakes, alternators, and starters on you, and quite frankly I have not had the best of luck with Bosch branded stuff.

[mspecperformance]

Never heard of having to stock Bosch products. We have been a Bosch shop for 3 years. I think you might have your banner programs mixed up. It is a 100% free to use program. They don't ask anything from you other than to participate in some programs, none of which cost you any money.

[5 Star Auto Spa]

Why is it better for general repair to be a Napa facility versus Bosch Mspec?

[mspecperformance]

Why is it better for general repair to be a Napa facility versus Bosch Mspec?

 

 

NAPA has a lot more benefits to its auto care members than Bosch. I believe you do have to pay into NAPA however there is a much more synergistic relationship especially if you are using NAPA as your primary auto parts source. Bosch is nice considering that it is free but there are very few benefits to being apart of the program. We think that Bosch is a big brand name but the general public doesn't recognize it as a go to source for auto repair. I'll qualify that by saying NAPA really isnt either however there are a myriad of programs you can take advantage of through the Napa Auto Care program which is where you will win.

 

We are a Bosch shop and I would say we have tried leverage the brand to our benefit at around a 5 or 6 from a scale from 1-10. I don't believe it has really added any value to our shop in the marketing department and we have maybe gain 1-2 customers from the Bosch credit card program that already had the card from another shop in the network. This is after 3 years with Bosch and 2 years of offering their credit card.

[LynxStarAuto]

Never heard of having to stock Bosch products. We have been a Bosch shop for 3 years. I think you might have your banner programs mixed up. It is a 100% free to use program. They don't ask anything from you other than to participate in some programs, none of which cost you any money.

 

It probably changed since you signed up MSpec.

 

http://sg-ww.bosch-automotive.com/en/ww/workshop_concepts/bosch_car_service_2/voraussetzungen/voraussetzungen_1

 

You will commit to participating in our Bosch Car Service campaigns as well as following our standard workshop processes. We also ask you to use Bosch original spare parts and products, as well as refraining from participation in any competitor workshop concept.

 

I have been diligently looking into this. Not only do you have to sell Bosch inventory, they expect you to buy Bosch service equipment as well. Of course their is pros to this. You get free training for life on all their equipment and tools, and if you service only German brands well Bosch is an OEM supplier of many components of these brands. Still though, Worldpac to me has been unmatched thus far. My only issue with them, is delivery times which suck.

[LynxStarAuto]

Why is it better for general repair to be a Napa facility versus Bosch Mspec?

 

 

Bosch is better suited for the Euro cars or HD application. Very popular supplier for these brands. It has cache if you will, to have that gold and red sign outside. Gives your shop more reason to standout, and be more professional, and competent in "appearance". But as MSpec said, Bosch is not recognized as an industry leader like say K&N or Remy for example. Also if you do research, you will find mixed reviews of their products. Their QA is not the greatest. I would argue that some of the lifetime parts from the retail chains will bring more value to a customer. Their braking products for example are terrible. Made in China most of it, and just too expensive for what it is.

 

Napa is not bad. Very, very popular with the general service industry, and their coverage, and range is the biggest of all the retail chains I would say. The also have products like shop management, and repair info. I believe Napa is in bed with Mitchell, and offer you special pricing on that subscription, I would also point you in the direction of Advance Auto. They purchased Carquest jointly with Worldpac. So technically, they are the biggest supplier now for the industry. The great thing about them is location, and delivery times. Pricing is competitive, and they also have great programs for shops too. Give them a look over if you can.

[mspecperformance]

I think you are mistaken. There is no obligation for you to stock or purchase their parts. Of course my participating it is assumed you will be using some Bosch parts and there are small incentives for you to do such. Also you are under no obligation to purchase their equipment, they do however give you incentives to purchase their equipment (I believe it may be 10% off or they have a special site for their stuff). On a side note, I have a brand new Tire Machine and Balancer for sale if anyone is interested, literally brand new. No touch changer. Retail is 18k for the combo, willing to let go for a lot less. I would not purchase their aligner. Ever.

[mspecperformance]

 

 

Bosch is better suited for the Euro cars or HD application. Very popular supplier for these brands. It has cache if you will, to have that gold and red sign outside. Gives your shop more reason to standout, and be more professional, and competent in "appearance". But as MSpec said, Bosch is not recognized as an industry leader like say K&N or Remy for example. Also if you do research, you will find mixed reviews of their products. Their QA is not the greatest. I would argue that some of the lifetime parts from the retail chains will bring more value to a customer. Their braking products for example are terrible. Made in China most of it, and just too expensive for what it is.

 

Napa is not bad. Very, very popular with the general service industry, and their coverage, and range is the biggest of all the retail chains I would say. The also have products like shop management, and repair info. I believe Napa is in bed with Mitchell, and offer you special pricing on that subscription, I would also point you in the direction of Advance Auto. They purchased Carquest jointly with Worldpac. So technically, they are the biggest supplier now for the industry. The great thing about them is location, and delivery times. Pricing is competitive, and they also have great programs for shops too. Give them a look over if you can.

 

One thing I like about NAPA is their brand is much more recognized and there are incentives where they will compensate up to a certain amount to renovate your store front with Napa branding. It has been very enticing in regards of opening a different shop/general repair.